Fuchsia gall mite—Aculops fuchsiae
Fuchsia gall mite was accidentally introduced from South America in the 1980s. They are microscopic wormlike
mites and occur in growing tips year-round and in flowers during the blooming period.
Damage
The fuchsia gall mite causes leaves and shoots to become thickened and distorted, sometimes forming irregular
galls. Because fuchsias grow best where summers
are cool, this mite is a particular problem in coastal California.
Solutions
To reduce problems, plant only resistant
fuchsias and consider
replacing susceptible plants. Prune or
pinch off and destroy infested terminals. If damage cannot
be tolerated, pruning may be followed with two applications
of a miticide, applied 2 to 3 weeks apart. Soap or oil
sprays provide some control, but cannot
kill fuchsia gall mites enclosed in distorted plant tissue.
On highly susceptible varieties only, applications of acephate may
help control mites. | 
Thickened and distorted fuchsia leaves
|
